Former UFC Flyweight Champion Brandon Moreno Announces MMA Hiatus: 'I'm Just Tired'

Following his setback on home soil last month, former two-time UFC flyweight champion Brandon Moreno isn't expecting an Octagon return anytime soon.

Seven months on from playing his part in 2023's consensus Fight of the Year against Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 290, Moreno made the walk in front of his home fans at Mexico City's Arena CDMX in February.

Having lost the 125-pound gold to "The Cannibal" by narrow margins, "The Assassin Baby" was looking to stake his claim for another showdown with the Brazilian champ by once again getting the better of Brandon Royval.

Unfortunately for Moreno, he fell on the wrong side of another split decision verdict, leaving the ex-champ outside of the flyweight title picture for the first time since 2020.

While the Mexican's status as a former two-time ruler of the division means he won't dip too far from the belt, Moreno isn't expecting to begin his rise back toward the throne until he is fully rested.

Moreno Breaks Silence On Mexico Setback, Plans Much-Needed Break

Having not addressed his loss to Royval and future plans since a disappointing night in Mexico last month, Moreno broke his silence in a recent video uploaded to social media.

"The Assassin Baby" bemoaned the fact that his hard work isn't being rewarded with positive results. And alongside that frustration, Moreno has reached his limit when it comes to media interactions and pressure.

With that in mind, he announced his intentions to take an extended break from active competition, insisting that he will come back stronger than ever once refreshed and rejuvenated. 

"I feel like I’m at a point in my life where I’m putting in the work, I’m dedicated, but the results just aren’t there, and it’s very frustrating," Moreno said in Spanish (translated by MMA Junkie's Danny Segura. "This is something that makes me very sad, but something that makes me who I am is that I always find a way to come back... I think with all the technical aspect things aside, I think I’m just tired. I’m tired of the media, the same questions, the vibe, the constant pressure. I don’t even think it’s a single moment anymore. I think it’s everything I’ve piled on my shoulders in the last few years. I’ve reached a point where my mind is stressed, and I just want to rest a bit... I do want to take a break to rest, be with my family, and just be a normal person, be with my daughters, and just do new things.

"There are many things I haven’t done because I’m 100 percent focused on my training. I just want to rest a bit. This is by no means a goodbye. Just wait for me, have patience, let my body and my mind recover, and we’ll come back to do things well," Moreno continued. "The last time that happened (extended layoff), I came back, and I became a world champion. I’d like to think I can do the same and when I return, I’m going to go on a tear. I still think I’m an incredible fighter, and I have all the qualities and abilities to be a champion again. I just think I’ve reached a limit in my mind, and I’m tired. But outside of that, everything is excellent. I’m happy... At this point, all I promise is that I’ll continue fighting, moving forward, and I will find the right path to move forward. I’m going to do everything to pick myself up again. I want to do it, I know I can do it, and I’m going to do it. I’m going to be champion. I just need to rest my body and mind."